Download PDF of this page

BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
As one of the natural science departments in the Columbian
College of Arts and Sciences, Biological Sciences explores
the science of life, from biomolecules to ecosystems. Courses
and ongoing research programs are focused in three general
areas: cell and molecular biology, ecology, and evolution
and systematics. In research laboratories, students and
faculty members work together on projects that range from
dinosaur evolution through an investigation of how misfolded
proteins interfere with insulin production. Many departmental
faculty members have working relationships with scientists
in surrounding education and federal institutions, and the
program has a collaboration of more than 100 years standing
with the Smithsonian Institution National Museum of Natural
History.
UNDERGRADUATE
Bachelor's programs
• Bachelor of Arts with a major in biology (http://
bulletin.gwu.edu/arts-sciences/biological-sciences/babiology)
• Bachelor of Science with a major in biology (http://
bulletin.gwu.edu/arts-sciences/biological-sciences/bsbiology)
Combined Program
• Bachelor of Science with a major in biology and Master
of Science in the field of biological sciences (http://
bulletin.gwu.edu/arts-sciences/biological-sciences/
combined-bs-ms)
Minor
• Minor in biology (http://bulletin.gwu.edu/arts-sciences/
biological-sciences/minor-biology)
GRADUATE
Master's program
• Master of Science in the field of biological sciences (http://
bulletin.gwu.edu/arts-sciences/biological-sciences/ms)
Doctoral program
• Doctor of Philosophy in the field of biological sciences
(http://bulletin.gwu.edu/arts-sciences/biological-sciences/
phd)
FACULTY
Professors J.M. Clark, K.A. Crandall, R. Donaldson, G.
Hormiga, D.L. Lipscomb, G. Ortí, R.K. Packer (Chair), L.C. Smith,
R.P. Tollo
Assistant Professors H.G. Döebel, I. Eleftherianos, L.
Grayfer, L. Hammond, M. Joe (Research), K. Jordan, M.
Manier, D.W. Morris, D. O’Halloran, S. Powell, R.A. Pyron, T.
Scully (Teaching), A. Smith, A. Zanne
Adjunct Professors C. Brown
COURSES
Explanation of Course Numbers
• Courses in the 1000s are primarily introductory
undergraduate courses
• Those in the 2000–4000s are upper-division undergraduate
courses that can also be taken for graduate credit with
permission and additional work
• Those in the 6000s and 8000s are for master’s, doctoral,
and professional-level students
• The 6000s are open to advanced undergraduate students
with approval of the instructor and the dean or advising
office
Departmental prerequisite: BISC 1111 Introductory Biology:
Cells and Molecules–BISC 1112 Introductory Biology: The
Biology of Organisms or equivalent is prerequisite to all upperdivision courses except by permission of the instructor.
BISC 1000. Dean's Seminar. 3 Credits.
The Dean’s Seminars provide Columbian College firstyear students focused scholarship on specific intellectual
challenges. Topics vary by semester. Consult the schedule of
classes for more details. Restricted to First-year students in
CCAS.
BISC 1001. Departmental Seminar. 0 Credits.
BISC 1005. The Biology of Nutrition and Health. 3 Credits.
A study of the human body and its disorders and diseases
through examination of the essential molecules of life, nutrition,
digestion, genetics, and reproduction. For non-majors. Same as
BISC 1007.
BISC 1006. The Ecology and Evolution of Organisms. 3
Credits.
Introduction to ecology and evolution, including man’s impact
on other plants and animals, and an overview of Earth’s
biodiversity. For non-majors.
BISC 1007. Food, Nutrition, and Service. 3 Credits.
A study of biology and nutrition that uses service learning
to reinforce course concepts. Topics include the need for
humans to consume other organisms, processing of consumed
nutrients, unexpected effects of nutritional consumption, and
measures to improve nutrition.
Associate Professors P. Hernandez, C.A. Forster, A.
Jeremic, J.T. Lill
1
Biological Sciences
BISC 1008. Understanding Organisms through Service
Learning. 3 Credits.
The evolution of life on earth; the value of other organisms,
their role in our world, and how humans can cause harm to
this infrastructure. Students work with a community partner
to perform activities that assist the partner while reinforcing
course concepts.
BISC 2202. Cell Biology. 3 Credits.
Structure and function of biological molecules and cellular
organelles; cellular interactions. Prerequisite: BISC 1111– BISC
1112 except by permission of the instructor and one semester
of organic chemistry.
BISC 1111. Introductory Biology: Cells and Molecules. 4
Credits.
Nutrition and metabolism, cellular and developmental biology,
genetics, and molecular biology of plants and animals.
Laboratory fee.
BISC 2207. Genetics. 3 Credits.
Introduction to genetics, with emphasis on the integration
of transmission of genetic traits and the molecular basis of
gene action. Also includes cytogenetics, gene regulation,
and examples of current applications of genetic technology.
Prerequisites: BISC 1111, BISC 1112 or permission of the
instructor.
BISC 1112. Introductory Biology: The Biology of
Organisms. 4 Credits.
Concepts and methods in the study of whole organisms.
Evolutionary theory; population biology; diversity of plants,
animals, fungi, and microorganisms; ecology and behavior; and
animal structure and function. Laboratory fee.
BISC 2208. Genetics Laboratory. 1 Credit.
Study of genetic principles and genetic and molecular
techniques in Drosophila and E. coli. Benchwork and
comparative genomics using bioinformatics. Prerequisites:
BISC 1111, BISC 1112, prior or concurrent enrollment in GEN
2207, or permission of instructor.
BISC 1116. Introductory Biology: The Biology of
Organisms. 3 Credits.
Concepts and methods in the study of whole organisms;
evolutionary theory; population biology; diversity of plants,
animals, fungi, and microorganisms; ecology and behavior; and
animal structure and function.
BISC 2213. Biology of Cancer. 3 Credits.
BISC 1120. Laboratory Introduction to Biomolecular
Research. 2 Credits.
Research methods in the study of proteins and DNA; focus
on preparation for working with faculty members on their
research. Faculty approval is required prior to registration.
Laboratory fee. Prerequisites: BISC1111 or BISC 1115. (Same as
BISC 1125, HONR 1120).
BISC 1125. Introduction to Cells and Molecules Laboratory.
1 Credit.
Laboratory associated with BISC 1115. Experimental methods
in the study of cells and molecules, proteins, enzymes, DNA,
and molecular genetics. Prerequisites: BISC1115.
BISC 1126. Introduction to Organisms Laboratory. 1 Credit.
Laboratory associated with BISC 1116. Experimental methods
in the study of whole organisms; population biology; diversity
of plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms; ecology and
behavior; and animal structure and function. Laboratory fee.
Prerequisites: BISC 1116.
BISC 2000. Sophomore Colloquium. 3 Credits.
Topics on biological diversity from the perspective of
species and within the conceptual framework of evolutionary
biology. The explanatory power, simplicity, and grandeur of
evolution and its products. Consideration of how questions
and hypotheses are empirically addressed. Restricted
to sophomores, registration by department approval.
Prerequisites: Bisc 1111 and Bisc 1112.
Biological Sciences
BISC 2214. Developmental Biology. 3 Credits.
The molecular processes and cellular phenomena that result in
the formation of organized tissues and functional organisms;
formation of early body plan, cell type determination,
organogenesis, morphogenesis, stem cells, cloning, and issues
in human development. Prerequisites: BISC 1111 and BISC
1112.
BISC 2215. Genome Editing Laboratory. 1 Credit.
Genome Editing Laboratory. Practical training in genome
editing in, from sequence design to molecular biology,
generation of edited animals, and phenotypic analysis. Each
student is assigned a personal research project involving
CRISPR, a technique that is changing the landscape of
biological research and medicine. Meets once a week for
3-4hours. Requires BISC 1111, BISC 1112, prior or concurrent
enrollment in BISC 2214, or permission of instructor.
Prerequisites: BISC 1111 and BISC 1112.
BISC 2220. Developmental Neurobiology. 3 Credits.
The molecular mechanisms that guide neural development:
events surrounding the birth of neurons, how specific neurons
are determined, how neurons find the correct targets, how cell
death guides proper neural development, and how synapses
are formed and maintained. Prerequisites: BISC 1111, BISC
1112 or permission of the instructor.
BISC 2305. Plant Biology. 3 Credits.
Plant metabolism and molecular biology: photosynthesis,
nitrogen metabolism, membrane transport, mechanisms of
hormone action, protein targeting, biotechnology, and current
research topics. Prerequisites: BISC 1111, BISC 1112, CHEM
1111 and CHEM 1112; or permission of the instructor.
2
BISC 2318. Histology. 4 Credits.
Lecture (2 hours), laboratory (4 hours). Introduction to
microscopical anatomy of normal tissues and organs with
emphasis on the interrelationship of structure and function.
Prerequisite: BISC 1111, BISC 1112 or permission of the
instructor.
BISC 2320. Neural Circuits and Behavior. 3 Credits.
The cellular and molecular properties of neural circuits
that form the basis of behavior. Circuit properties and
behaviors across a variety of invertebrate and vertebrate taxa.
Individual neuronal units, the organizational principles and
emergent properties of neural circuits, and how these neuronal
ensembles influence behavior.
BISC 2322. Human Physiology. 3 Credits.
Introduction to the function of organ systems of the human
body. Prerequisites: CHEM 1111, CHEM 1112, BISC 1111, BISC
1112 or permission of the instructor.
BISC 2330. Invertebrate Zoology. 4 Credits.
Lecture (2 hours), laboratory (4 hours). General survey of
invertebrate animals, including classification, morphology,
physiology, embryology, and evolutionary relationships among
phyla. Prerequisites: BISC 1111, BISC 1112 or permission of the
instructor.
BISC 2331. Insect Biology. 3 Credits.
Overview of the class Insecta, focusing on insect external
and internal morphology, classification, ecology/behavior,
collection, and specimen preparation. Prerequisites: BISC 1111
and BISC 1112.
BISC 2332. Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy. 4 Credits.
Evolution and comparative morphology of phylum Chordata,
stressing recent forms. Laboratory fee. Prerequisites: BISC 1111
and BISC 1112 or permission of the instructor.
BISC 2333. Evolution and Extinction of Dinosaurs. 3
Credits.
The 165-million-year history of dinosaurs; different groups and
their evolution, end-Cretaceous extinction event, the origin of
birds, and the biology of the group. Prerequisites: BISC 1111
and BISC 1112; or GEOL 1001 and GEOL 1002 or GEOL 1002
and GEOL 1005. Same as GEOL 2333.
BISC 2334W. Integrative Biology of Fishes. 3 Credits.
An introduction to concepts in anatomy, biomechanics,
physiology, developmental biology, biomechanics and
hydrodynamics, adaptive radiation, evolutionary biology, and
ecology using fish as model organisms. Significant fish groups
are covered, but emphasis is on exploring broader topics in
which fish have figured prominently in research.
BISC 2335. Insect Biology Lab. 1 Credit.
An overview of insects, with an emphasis on ecology,
behavior, economic importance, and the key adaptations that
characterize the evolution of this diverse group. This lab will
teach basic internal and external anatomy, field collection
methods, insect identification, and discussion of the primary
literature. Laboratory fee. Prerequisite: BISC 2331.
3
BISC 2337. Introductory Microbiology. 4 Credits.
Lecture (2 hours), laboratory (4 hours). Survey of the major
groups of microorganisms with emphasis on structure,
physiology, ecology, pathogenesis, and biotechnology.
Antibiotic resistance and emerging diseases. Prerequisites:
CHEM 1111, CHEM 1112, BISC 1111, BISC 1112, or permission
of instructor.
BISC 2337W. Introductory Microbiology. 4 Credits.
Lecture (2 hours), laboratory (4 hours). Survey of the major
groups of microorganisms with emphasis on structure,
physiology, ecology, pathogenesis, and biotechnology.
Antibiotic resistance and emerging diseases. Prerequisites:
BISC 1111 and BISC 1112 and CHEM 1111 and CHEM 1112 or
permission of the instructor.
BISC 2339. Parasitology. 4 Credits.
Introduction to animal parasitology; survey of parasitic
types from protozoa through arthropods. Laboratory fee.
Prerequisite: BISC 1111 and BISC 1112 or permission of the
instructor.
BISC 2450. Organic Evolution. 3 Credits.
Synthetic theory of organic evolution, including population
biology, speciation, adaptation, macroevolution, systematics,
biogeography, and the geologic record. Prerequisites: BISC
1111, BISC 1112, or permission of instructor.
BISC 2451. History of Life. 3 Credits.
Overview of life through time; the origin of life, evolution of
major groups of organisms, and important methodologies
used in paleontology. Prerequisites: BISC 1111 and BISC 1112
or permission of the instructor. Same as GEOL 2151.
BISC 2452. Animal Behavior. 4 Credits.
An evolutionary approach to the study of animal behavior,
emphasizing behavioral ecology and sociobiology.
Prerequisite: BISC 1111 and BISC 1112 or permission of the
instructor.
BISC 2453. Animal Behavior Lab. 1 Credit.
Methods used in the study of animal behavior; observation,
basic statistical analysis, and experimental design; review and
evaluation research materials. Prerequisites: BISC 1111 and
BISC 1112. Recommended background: Prior or concurrent
enrollment in BISC 2452.
BISC 2454. General Ecology. 4 Credits.
The core concepts of the field of ecology across different
hierarchical scales of ecological systems. Prerequisites: BISC
1111 and BISC 1112 or permission of the instructor.
BISC 2456. General Ecology Laboratory. 1 Credit.
Practical exercises and field-trips are used to explore the core
concepts of the field of ecology across different hierarchical
scales of ecological systems. Laboratory fee. Prerequisites:
BISC 1111 and BISC 1112.
Biological Sciences
BISC 2467. Marine Biology. 3 Credits.
Study of relationships between organisms and physical,
chemical, and biological factors of the marine environment.
Consideration of the open ocean and coastal ecosystems and
human influences on them. Prerequisite: BISC 1111 and BISC
1112 or permission of the instructor.
BISC 2580. Biotechnology. 3 Credits.
Genetic engineering of bacteria, plants, and animals, including
humans. Applications of modern biotechnology, especially
in the field of medical biotechnology, such as gene therapy,
xenotransplantation, and the Human Genome Project.
Regulation, prospects, and social impact of biotechnology.
Prerequisites: CHEM 2151, CHEM 2152, CHEM 2153, CHEM
2154, BISC 1111 and BISC 1112. Recommended background:
BISC 2202 or BISC 2207.
BISC 3165. Biochemistry I. 3 Credits.
Introduction to the chemistry of living cells; structure and
function of proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids;
enzyme structure, mechanism, and regulation. Prerequisites:
BISC 1111, BISC 1112, CHEM 2151 and CHEM 2152; course
equivalents may be substituted for BISC 1111 and BISC 1112 at
the discretion of the instructor. Same as CHEM 3165.
BISC 3166. Biochemistry II. 3 Credits.
BISC 3209. Molecular Biology. 4 Credits.
Overview of theories, techniques, and procedures associated
with molecular biology. The biosynthesis of DNA, RNA,
and proteins; relationships among structure, function, and
expression; and traditional and modern methods of gene and
protein characterization and monitoring. Prerequisites: BISC
1111, BISC 1112, CHEM 1111, and CHEM 1112.
BISC 2580W. Biotechnology. 3 Credits.
Genetic engineering of bacteria, plants, and animals, including
humans. Applications of modern biotechnology, especially
in the field of medical biotechnology, such as gene therapy,
xenotransplantation, and the Human Genome Project.
Regulation, prospects, and social impact of biotechnology.
Prerequisites: BISC 1111, BISC 1112, CHEM 2151, CHEM 2152,
CHEM 2153, and CHEM 2154. Recommended background:
BISC 2202 or BISC 2207. Same as BISC 2580.
BISC 3210. Nanobiotechnology. 3 Credits.
Theory and application of nanotechnologies in biology
and medicine. Strategies for studying the organization,
function, and complexity of biological systems at nanometer
scale. Several areas of research are covered, including highresolution cellular and molecular imaging, spectroscopy, and
optical tweezers. Prerequisites: BISC 2202 or BISC 3261 or
permission of instructor and BISC 1111 and BISC 1112 or
permission of the instructor.
BISC 2581. Human Gross Anatomy. 3 Credits.
The structural organization of the human body and how it
relates to regional and systems-based functions. Emphasis
on the macroscopic structure of the body. Prerequisite: BISC
1111– BISC 1112 except by permission of the instructor. Same
as ANAT 2181.
BISC 3211. Nanobiotechnology Laboratory. 1 Credit.
Modern instrumental techniques for analyzing biological
structures and processes at the nanometer level; combining
nano- and conventional techniques to answer scientific
questions. Students formulate, design, and implement a
research project. Prerequisites: BISC 1111, BISC 1112 and BISC
3210.
BISC 2583. Biology of Proteins. 3 Credits.
About half of the proteins in the human genome have unknown
functions. Are some related to cancers, muscle degeneration,
infectious disease? How can evolutionary relationships among
proteins from other organisms help us discover functions
of unknown proteins? Laboratory fee. Prerequisite: AP or IB
Biology or Chemistry.
BISC 2584. Introduction to Bioinformatics. 3 Credits.
The use of computational techniques in molecular biology,
genetics, and evolution; techniques and software for database
searching, sequence alignment, gene finding, phylogenetics,
genomics, and proteomics. Prerequisites: BISC 1111 and BISC
1112. (Same as CSCI 3571).
BISC 3122. Human Physiology. 3 Credits.
Introduction to the function of organ systems of the body.
Prerequisites: BISC 1111, BISC 1112, CHEM 1111, CHEM 1112,
and BISC 2207 or BISC 2202 or permission of instructor.
BISC 3123. Human Physiology Lab. 1 Credit.
Basic physiology laboratory techniques; emphasis on the
experimental study of homeostatic mechanisms in humans.
Laboratory fee. Prerequisites: BISC 1111, BISC 1112 and BISC
2322.
Biological Sciences
BISC 3212. Immunology. 3 Credits.
Introduction to mammalian immunology covering the
progression of immune responses from initial pathogen contact
to immune memory. Applied topics include autoimmunity,
transplantation, and the effects of HIV on the immune system.
Prerequisites: BISC 1111, BISC 1112, BISC 2202, CHEM 2151,
CHEM 2153. Recommended background: BISC 2207 or BISC
2322.
BISC 3261. Introductory Medical Biochemistry. 4 Credits.
Introduction to structures of biological macromolecules,
enzyme catalysis, cellular bioenergetics, and metabolism. Same
as BIOC 3261. Prerequisite: CHEM 2151–CHEM 2152. Credit
toward the degree cannot be earned for this course and for
CHEM 3165.
BISC 3262. Biochemistry Laboratory. 2 Credits.
Study of common experimental techniques used in life
science laboratories to separate and characterize biological
macromolecules. Laboratory fee. Prerequisites: BISC 3261,
BISC 1111 and BISC 1112.
4
BISC 3263. Special Topics in Biochemistry. 2 Credits.
In-depth discussion of current biochemically relevant topics,
including cancer and HIV chemotherapy, immune response,
photosynthesis, signal transduction, hormone regulation, and
nutrition. Topics vary by semester. May be repeated for credits
provided topic differs. Consult the Schedule of Classes for
more details. Prerequisites: BISC 1111, BISC 1112 and BISC
3261 or permission of the instructor. Same as BIOC 3263.
BISC 3320. Human Neurobiology. 3 Credits.
Introduction to the function of the human nervous system,
gross and microscopic structure, and neurophysiology of the
brain, spinal cord, and nerves; alterations caused by disease or
injury. Prerequisite: BISC 1111 and BISC 1112; and BISC 2202
or BISC 3261.
BISC 3450. Evolutionary Medicine. 3 Credits.
The application of evolutionary principles, including natural
selection, adaptation, phylogenetics, and evolutionary
constraints, to understanding health, disease, and the biology
of disease-causing organisms (viruses, bacteria, and parasites).
How natural selection and phylogeny influence pathogenhost interactions, human genetics, immunology, development,
cancer, and diseases of senescence. Prerequisites: BISC 1111
and BISC 1112. Recommended background: BISC 2207 and
BISC 2450.
BISC 3450W. Evolutionary Medicine. 3 Credits.
The application of evolutionary principles, including natural
selection, adaptation, phylogenetics, and evolutionary
constraints, to understanding health, disease, and the biology
of disease-causing organisms (viruses, bacteria, and parasites).
How natural selection and phylogeny influence pathogenhost interactions, human genetics, immunology, development,
cancer, and diseases of senescence. Includes a significant
engagement in writing as a form of critical inquiry and scholarly
expression to satisfy the WID requirement. Prerequisites: BISC
1111 and BISC 1112. Recommended background: BISC 2207
and BISC 2450. Same as BISC 3450.
BISC 3458. Plant Comparative Structure and Function. 3
Credits.
Fundamental principles of how organisms are built,
investigating trade-offs and coordination in design, how
variation in structure influences physiological function in
different ecological settings, and how relations among
plants shape structure and function and responses to
ecological gradients. Prerequisite: BISC 1111 and BISC 1112 or
permission of instructor.
BISC 3459. Field Biology. 4 Credits.
Overview of the approaches and techniques used by
contemporary field biologists for cataloging, quantifying, and
comparing patterns of biodiversity across plants, animals, and
fungi at multiple spatial and temporal scales. Prerequisites:
BISC 1111 and BISC 1112. Recommended background: BISC
2454.
5
BISC 3460. Conservation Biology. 3 Credits.
Theory and practice of conserving biological diversity.
Ecological patterns of biodiversity, biology of small
populations, and conservation case studies. Use of ecological
modeling software to explore various topics. Prerequisites:
BISC 1111, BISC 1112 and BISC 2454; or permission of the
instructor.
BISC 3461. Plant-Animal Interactions. 3 Credits.
Review of the major ecological and evolutionary interactions
that occur between plants and animals in natural and managed
ecosystems. Prerequisites: BISC 1111 and BISC 1112 or
permission of the instructor. Recommended background: BISC
2450 or BISC 2454.
BISC 3462. Plant¾Animal Interactions Laboratory. 1 Credit.
Field and laboratory study of temperate interactions between
plants and animals. Group projects focus on original data
collection, analysis, and interpretation. Prerequisite or
concurrent registration: BISC 3461 and BISC 1111– BISC 1112
except by permission of the instructor. Laboratory fee.
BISC 3463. Ecological and Evolutionary Genetics. 3 Credits.
An analysis of the ecological and genetic basis of evolutionary
change. Topics include the organization and maintenance of
genetic variation within and among natural populations, the
genetic basis of complex traits, molecular ecology analyses,
and genotype by environment interactions. Prerequisite: BISC
2450 or permission of instructor and BISC 1111– BISC 1112
except by permission of the instructor.
BISC 3464. Ecology and Evolution of Societies. 3 Credits.
Study of broadly important ecological and evolutionary
patterns and processes exemplified by organisms that have
undergone the major evolutionary transition to living in
societies. Prerequisites: BISC 1111, BISC 1112. Recommended
background: BISC 2454 or BISC 2454W.
BISC 4132. Advanced Cellular-Molecular Biology. 3 Credits.
An advanced cell biology course with emphasis on
biochemistry and molecular biology; illustrations are drawn
from different organisms and human biology. Oral and written
analysis of research literature. For upper-level undergraduates
and beginning graduate students. Restricted to Instructor
approval required. Recommended background: Six credits in
the Cellular and Molecular category.
BISC 4171. Undergraduate Research. 1-12 Credits.
Admission by permission of the staff member concerned. May
be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: CHEM 2152 and BISC
1111– BISC 1112 except by permission of the instructor; 16
credit hours in biological science courses. Laboratory fee.
BISC 4171W. Undergraduate Research. 1-12 Credits.
Admission by permission of the staff member concerned. May
be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Chem 2152 and BISC
1111– BISC 1112 except by permission of the instructor; 16
credit hours in biological science courses. Laboratory fee.
Biological Sciences
BISC 4172. Independent Study. 1-3 Credits.
Prescribed reading list and consultations with staff advisor
culminating in a written report and/or examination.
Prerequisite: BISC 1111– BISC 1112 and permission of the
instructor.
BISC 4173. Independent Study-Developmental Biology. 2
Credits.
BISC 4174. Independent Study-Organismic Biology. 2
Credits.
BISC 4175. Independent Study-Genetic/Evolutionary
Biology. 2 Credits.
BISC 4176. Independent Study-Environmental Bio. 2
Credits.
BISC 4180. Undergraduate Research Seminar. 1 Credit.
BISC 6101. Responsible Research. 1 Credit.
This course provides an introduction to the ethical, social,
and legal foundations of scientific practice. It is intended to
provide a forum for graduate students and postdocs to discuss
almost every aspect of the academic life of a scientist, except
specific disciplinary topics that are treated in regular courses.
Ensuring ethical conduct is an essential part of basic, applied,
and clinical research, especially in the context of competitive,
collaborative, and international settings so common nowadays.
Students will be exposed to case studies typifying complex
social, ethical, and legal dilemmas that may arise in the conduct
of research.
BISC 6102. Scientific Presentation. 1 Credit.
This course allows students to perfect their Scientific
Presentation skills. In this course, students will present, in
front of peers and faculty, their current research projects
and plans for future work leading towards a complete thesis
or dissertation. Student presentations will be designed to
address a general audience of biologists, containing sufficient
background information to provide perspective insights into
the fundamental questions being asked, and at the same time
providing enough detail on technical issues and analytical
procedures to allow evaluation of potential outcomes. The
Class will provide a friendly forum for students to collect
feedback and comments, to discuss project design, content,
and general significance of their research.
BISC 6132. Advanced Cellular-Molecular Biology. 3 Credits.
Advanced cellular biology for upper-level undergraduates
and beginning graduate students; emphasis on biochemistry
and molecular biology; organisms and human biology with
emphasis on oral and written analysis of research literature.
Permission of the instructor is required. Restricted to students
who have completed 16 credits of 2000-4000 level biology
courses, including 6 credits in the cell and molecular category.
Prerequisites: Graduate standing or undergraduates with 16
credits of 2000-4000 level biology courses, including 6 credits
in the Cell and Molecular category and permission of instructor.
Recommended background: 4-6 upper level biology courses,
including 2 courses in the Cell and Molecular area.
Biological Sciences
BISC 6205. Current Topics in Cell Smith, Donaldson,
Eleftherianos, Jeremic. 1-2 Credits.
May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: BISC 2202 or BISC
3209.
BISC 6206. Current Topics in Evolutionary Ecology. 1-2
Credits.
May be repeated for credit.
BISC 6207. Seminar: Current Topics in Systematic Biology.
1-2 Credits.
Topics vary by semester. See the Schedule of Classes for more
details. May be repeated for credit provided the topic differs.
Prerequisite: BISC 6210.
BISC 6210. Methods of Study of Evolution. 4 Credits.
A rigorous and up-to-date treatment of the theory and
methods of systematics, including phylogenetic inference
and its applications in evolutionary biology. Laboratory fee.
Prerequisite: BISC 2450 .
BISC 6211. Biogeography/Coevolution. 4 Credits.
Survey of methods, techniques, and theory in biogeography.
Geological and paleontological aspects of biogeography;
large-scale biogeographic patterns; speciation and
phylogeography. Prerequisite: BISC 2451 or BISC 2452 or
permission of the instructor.
BISC 6213. Descriptive Systematics: Documenting
Biodiversity. 3 Credits.
Study of those aspects of systematic biology concerned with
description and inventory of biodiversity. Prerequisite: BISC
6210.
BISC 6214. The Phylogenetic Basis of Comparative Biology.
3 Credits.
The use of phylogenetic hypotheses to study questions in
evolutionary biology and ecology. Prerequisite: BISC 6210;
STAT 1127 .
BISC 6215. Vertebrate Phylogeny. 4 Credits.
A survey of vertebrate diversity, emphasizing evolutionary
relationships and adaptations of the major groups.
Prerequisite: BISC 2450 ; BISC 2332 recommended.
BISC 6216. Morphological Systematics. 4 Credits.
Methods of studying organismal morphology as a means of
inferring phylogeny, emphasizing the concept of homology.
Laboratory includes techniques of observing, measuring,
and imaging morphology in systematic biology, including
morphometric methods. Laboratory fee. Prerequisite: BISC
6210 .
BISC 6218. Innate Immunity. 3 Credits.
Discussion of innate immune systems in a wide variety of
organisms; from sponges to vertebrates plus higher plants.
Prerequisite: BISC 3212; recommended BISC 2202, BISC 2207,
BISC 3209, BISC 2330.
6
BISC 6219. Host-Microbe Interactions. 3 Credits.
Overview of the molecular, genetic, cellular, and physiological
basis of symbiotic and pathogenic interactions between plants
and invertebrate and vertebrate animals and various microbial
organisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Prerequisites:
Microbiology (BISC 2337). Recommended background:
Intro to Immunology (BISC 3212); Cell Biology (BISC 2202);
Invertebrate Zoology (BISC 2330); Parasitology (BISC 2339), or
permission of instructor.
BISC 6275. Introduction to Recombinant DNA Techniques.
3 Credits.
Lecture, 1 hour; laboratory, 4 hours. Basic techniques of
genetic manipulation: cloning of genes, transformation
of bacteria, PCR procedures, DNA sequencing, and other
techniques. Prerequisite: BISC 2202 or BISC 2207 or BISC 2337
and permission of instructor. Laboratory fee.
BISC 6224. Molecular Evolution. 3 Credits.
BISC 6998. Thesis Research. 3 Credits.
BISC 6225. Molecular Phylogenetics. 4 Credits.
Review of molecular phylogenetic methods including data
recovery, alignment, weighting, character optimization, and
phylogenetic inference methods. Prerequisite: BISC 2207, BISC
2450, and BISC 6210.
BISC 6999. Thesis Research. 3 Credits.
BISC 6227. Seminar: Genetics. 3 Credits.
Review of selected topics in genetics, with emphasis on current
literature; topics of special interest to participants encouraged.
May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: BISC 2207.
BISC 8999. Dissertation Research. 3-12 Credits.
Limited to Doctor of Philosophy candidates. May be repeated
for credit.
BISC 6295. Research. 1-12 Credits.
Investigation of special problems. May be repeated for credit.
BISC 8998. Advanced Reading & Research. 1-12 Credits.
Limited to students preparing for the Doctor of Philosophy
general examination. May be repeated for credit.
BISC 6228. Population Genetics. 3 Credits.
Origin, maintenance, and possible significance of genetic
variation in populations. Selection, genetic drift, and population
structure are emphasized. Both theoretical and applied
aspects of population genetics are discussed. Same as FORS
6247. Prerequisite: BISC 2207.
BISC 6230. Human Genetics. 3 Credits.
Genetic mechanisms of transmission and expression of human
traits, with emphasis on biochemical and cytogenetic aspects.
Prerequisite: BISC 2207; previous course work in cell biology or
cell biochemistry strongly recommended.
BISC 6243. Seminar: Ecology. 3 Credits.
In-depth study of selected topics, including reports on original
publications. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: BISC
2454.
BISC 6249. Seminar: Developmental Biology. 3 Credits.
Discussion and reports on recent research on the
endocrinological, genetic, and biochemical aspects of animal
development. Prerequisite: a course in developmental biology
or cell biology.
BISC 6251. Evolutionary Developmental Biology. 3 Credits.
Developmental mechanisms involved in the morphological
changes that occur during the course of evolution.
BISC 6252. Seminar: Neurobiology. 3 Credits.
Study of current publications in functional neurobiology. May
be repeated for credit with instructor’s permission.
BISC 6274. Gene Regulation and Genetic Engineering. 3
Credits.
The control of gene expression as illustrated by several
prokaryotic and eukaryotic model systems: discussions of
recombinant DNA techniques. Prerequisite: BISC 2207.
7
Biological Sciences